In a troubling turn of events, Ivory Coast, once considered a refuge for L.G.B.T.Q. individuals in West Africa, has recently seen a surge in violent attacks against its gay and transgender community. Following inflammatory rhetoric from social media influencers encouraging their followers to "hunt woubis"— a derogatory term for effeminate gay men— dozens of assaults, physical beatings, and online intimidation have swept through the streets of Abidjan, the country’s largest city.
Witness accounts and testimonies collected by rights organizations highlight the alarming rise in aggression, with victims recounting harrowing experiences of brutality. In a notable incident, fans at a local soccer match unfurled a banner featuring a homophobic slur, showcasing a disturbingly public display of hostility. Compounding the situation, the youngest member of parliament affiliated with President Alassane Ouattara's party has pledged to introduce legislation aimed at "countering the expansion" of homosexuality.
The growing aggressiveness marks a significant shift for Ivory Coast, which was once seen as a safe haven amid a challenging landscape for L.G.B.T.Q. individuals across many African nations. Activists like Carlos Idibouo express deep concern about this deteriorating environment and question the newfound vulnerability of the community. "Ivory Coast was an oasis of peace for the community," he lamented. "Now we wonder, are people safe?"
The rise in violence and the escalating rhetoric have left many feeling unsettled and anxious for their safety, as the support that once characterized the country appears to be waning. Rights advocates are calling for urgent action to protect these marginalized groups from further persecution.
